It is reported on the pure-silver list and on his web site that Barry Thornton has passed away in his hotel room on Sat the 25th after a workshop. His shop is now closed.
Not off hand but I may be able to make a guestimate from one of his books. Whatever individuals' opinions of Barry were (and I do not hold any because I never met or spoke to him although I have bought chemicals from him and bought his books ) he did try to make people who were interested enough to read his books, think about their photography and the materials they were using so that they could get the results they wanted and the photographs they had visualised. Les also does this in his own style which is different to Barry Thornton's approach. We are all influenced to some degree by the knowledge and experience of others when it is imparted to us and Barry will be missed, not least by those who have attended his popular workshops.
I consider his "Edge of Darkness" to be one of the better photo books - i've read it twice. Only in his 50's, quite a loss for the photographic community, as well as to his family.
Although i tend to avoid concentrating too much on a particular photographer's styles and teachings for fear of becoming a clone, I find myself repeatedly returning to Barry Thornton's books and other writings - because they are so good. He was willing to help with questions and never too precious to reply to emails.
David, can you make mine an exactol lux? I've got work in the morning
In case no one has been to the website, there is a posted notice that the shop WILL re-open following the settlement of some legal problems from Barry not leaving a will. GOOD News
Thanks for the info-BT came up with some good stuff and I was really looking forward to trying more of it.I too found his books inspiring-Elements and Edge of Darkness should be on the shelves of every serious b&w photographer-I think that they'll become sought after classics .
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